The Joker's Role as the Ultimate Underdog

In The Dark Knight, the Joker is first portrayed as a low-level criminal, a "thug" who works on the outskirts of Gotham's organized crime scene. Despite his relatively unimportant role, the Joker challenges the authority of the police, the mob, and even Batman himself with his acts, which aim to upend the city and the status quo.

Examine how, while appearing helpless, the Joker is a powerful underdog.